Integrated rapid access entry/egress system

ABSTRACT

An integrated rapid access entry/egress apparatus, system, and method for controlling and directing the movement of people or objects between unsecured and secured areas using a plurality of panels is provided. Sensors detect a person&#39;s approach and entrance into the system or apparatus. An approval means alerts a processor as to whether the person is approved or not approved. The panels move to direct approved persons to a secured area and not approved persons to an unsecured area so as not to impede the flow of traffic through the apparatus or system. The apparatus accommodates bi-directional traffic and provides an effective and efficient access system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/143,159 entitled “Integrated Rapid Access Entry/Egress System”filed 10 May 2002 and having common ownership.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention is directed to the field of access controlsystems and, more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, and a methodfor controlling and directing the movement of people or objects betweenunsecured and secured areas.

[0003] There is an increasing need and desire to control access tocertain areas depending on whether a person is approved to enter thatarea, without impeding the general flow of traffic in the surroundingareas. An access control system should be able to be customized to auser's preferences, enabling its use in a variety of environments,including airports, power plants, manufacturing facilities, researchfacilities, prisons, office buildings, etc. Such a system should requireminimal human supervision, be universally understandable, and be veryuser-friendly.

[0004] Current access control systems suffer the problems of: (1)impeding or slowing the movement of traffic; (2) requiring a large staffto run the system; (3) requiring two systems in any given area, one fortraffic in each direction; (4) lacking the ability to be customized to auser's security needs; (5) lacking the ability to be customized to auser's aesthetic desires; (6) being dangerous; (7) lacking compatibilitywith current bag or luggage processing technologies; and (8) causingdamage to the surroundings during installation. These problems areprevalent in current and past access control systems.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,692 to Kellem et al. (the “'692 patent”) isone of the more advanced patented access control systems. The '692patent discloses a rapid access door system in which authorizedindividuals pass through bi-fold doors to a secure area and unauthorizedindividuals are directed through a side door to an unsecured area. The'692 patent suffers from many of the above-identified problems. The useof bi-fold doors, with exposed moving hinges that extend into the pathof a person walking towards the doors, poses multiple dangers. First,the exposed hinges and the three pivot axes present numerousopportunities for fingers, toes, shoes, etc. to get caught, pinched, andcut. Second, the lead edges of the bi-fold doors close toward the personwalking through the '692 patented portal, thus threatening to catch theperson between the closing doors and cause injury. The design of thebi-fold doors' lead edges and the design of the bi-fold doors' closingdirection creates a funnel-like area that draws a person into a smallerand smaller pinch point.

[0006] Additional pinch points exist in the '692 patented inventionwhere the doors swing toward and away from the frame and at the pointwhere the hinges are fastened to the frame. Similar to the funnel shapedarea created by the closing doors, as the doors open they create twopinch points between the doors and the exterior of the door controlmodules. More specifically, those pinch points are located between thedoors, the frame, and the hinges. Additional pinch points occur wherethe linked sliding door panels enter the door control modules. The doorpanels sliding into and out of the door control modules createopportunities for the dragging and pinching of fingers, skin, looseclothing, or jewelry. Finally, the space between the bottom of thedoors, or the sliding panels, and the floor creates an area in whichshoes and feet can be pinched and scratched.

[0007] Without extreme modifications, the '692 patent does notaccommodate bi-directional traffic. The authorization means and sideopening are located on just one side of the bi-fold door. That, incombination with the fact that there is only one entrance that lacks adoor, limits the movement of traffic through the system to onedirection. Therefore, any lobby or entrance area accommodating two-waytraffic needs two of the systems described in the '692 patent.

[0008] The '692 patent discloses a pair of bi-fold doors thatalternatively block one of two different opening. Therefore, at alltimes, one opening is unrestricted and one opening is blocked. The '692patented system cannot be used to enclose a person, should the userdesire that option. Nor can the '692 patented system be used with alldoorways open.

[0009] Thus, a need exists to advance the current technology related toaccess control systems to solve the above-identified problems. Inparticular, a need exists for an access control system that is safe, iscustomizable, is adaptable to a variety of environments, improvestraffic flow, and requires minimal human supervision.

SUMMARY

[0010] The present invention is directed to an apparatus, a system, anda method for controlling and directing the movement of people andobjects by using a plurality of panels, doors, or door-like structures.In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatushaving a first pair of panels defining an entrance. The first pair ofpanels moves between a first position in which the entrance is open anda second position in which the entrance is blocked. A second pair ofpanels defines an end egress located opposite and spaced apart from theentrance so as to define a walkway therebetween. The second pair ofpanels moves between a first position in which the end egress is openand a second position in which the end egress is blocked. A first sidepanel defines one edge of a first side egress from the walkway. Thefirst side panel moves between a first position in which the first sideegress is open and a second position in which the first side egress isblocked. Finally, one or more support structures hold the panels in anupright manner and facilitate movement of the panels between the panels'respective first and second positions. The apparatus of the presentinvention can be customized to a user's needs and wants. Options forcustomizing the present invention will be apparent from the descriptionof the preferred embodiments herein below.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a methodof controlling traffic with a plurality of panels. Alternatively, aplurality of doors or door-like structures may be used as a substitutefor or in conjunction with the plurality of panels. A first pair ofpanels separating an unsecured area from a walkway moves from an openposition to a blocked position after a person passes therethrough. Theperson is then approved or disapproved. If the person is approved, asecond pair of panels separating the walkway from a secured area movesfrom an open position to a blocked position after the approved personpasses therethrough. Otherwise, the second pair of panels separating thewalkway from the secured area moves from an open position to a blockedposition before the person can pass therethrough. The person is directedfrom the walkway to a second unsecured area and a first side panelseparating the second unsecured area from the walkway moves from an openposition to a blocked position after the person passes therethrough. Thepresent invention also is directed to moving the second pair of panelsseparating the walkway from the secured area from the open position tothe blocked position before the person can pass therethrough, and movingthe first side panel separating the second unsecured area from thewalkway from the open position to the blocked position, thereby trappingthe person within the panels.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to asystem having a first pair of panels defining an entrance. The firstpair of panels moves between a first position in which the entrance isopen and a second position in which the entrance is blocked. The firstpair of panels connects a walkway with a first unsecured area. A secondpair of panels defines an end egress located opposite the entrance atthe end of the walkway. The second pair of panels moves between a firstposition in which the end egress is open and a second position in whichthe end egress is blocked. The second pair of panels connects thewalkway with a secured area. A first side panel defines one edge of afirst side egress from the walkway. The first side panel moves between afirst position in which the first side egress is open and a secondposition in which the first side egress is blocked. The first side panelconnects the walkway with a second unsecured area.

[0013] The present invention offers many advantages over the prior art.Because the present invention does not employ bi-fold doors, there areno exposed hinges or pinch points that endanger users. The presentinvention's panels close away from the user, thus giving the usersufficient time and warning to stop his or her movement towards the endegress. The present invention employs separate panel(s) for eachentrance or egress. As a result, the panels can be positioned to closeall or none of the passages at any given time. This gives the presentinvention the unique capability of confining people within theapparatus. Additionally, because all of the panels can be left in anopen position, the present invention can also act like a passivewalkthrough area.

[0014] The structural differences between the present invention and theprior art give the present invention several distinct advantages overthe existing technology. The present invention's panels may beconfigured to remain slightly ajar, thus eliminating the “jaws of death”problem experienced with some existing access control technology. Theparallel panels may be placed in or on channels, thus requiring lesspower to actuate the panels than heavier, more complicated bi-fold doorsand other door structures. Additionally, because the panels are lighterin weight and require less power to actuate than do bi-fold doors, thepanels can be closed with less force thus, protecting users from being“slammed” between the doors. A final advantage of using lighter weightpanels (as opposed to bi-fold and other door structures) is that thepresent invention is more easily adapted to a mobile unit.

[0015] The present invention's entrance is equipped with a pair ofpanels preventing a person from exiting the walkway through the entranceonce the person has entered the walkway. These entrance panels alsoprevent those people waiting in the queue from entering the walkway tooquickly. The present invention works with all panels open as thedefault, with all panels blocking the entrance and egresses as thedefault, or with a combination of the entrance and egresses in the openor blocked position depending on the user's preference. When in motion,the present invention's panels intrude into less of the walkway than dobi-fold doors, thus, posing less of a safety risk to people walkingquickly across the walkway. The present invention accommodates two-waytraffic. Thus, a lobby or other area requires one of the presentinvention, instead of needing two of the competing technologies.

[0016] The exposed elements of the present invention can be constructedentirely out of non-metallic materials, such as panels made from apolycarbonate laminate and a support structure made from a thermosetpolymer composite, an elastomeric polymer composite, a thermoplasticpolymer composite, a non-reinforced polymer, or a metal-plastic hybrid.This is useful to users who desire to have the present inventioncustomized to be used with metal detectors.

[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that its basicdesign makes it handicapped accessible. This is not true of all priorart technologies, particularly technologies employing revolving doorsand other complicated door-like structures. This also eliminates theneed of having additional door structures available to accommodatehandicapped individuals or individuals pushing strollers, etc.Additionally, the present invention may be modified to employ a conveyorbelt or moving walkway instead of a stationary walkway. Such amodification allows the present invention to process people or objects.Those advantages and benefits, and others, will be apparent from thedescription of the preferred embodiments herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] For the present invention to be easily understood and readilypracticed, the present invention will now be described, for purposes ofillustration and not limitation, in conjunction with the followingfigures, wherein:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention having one side egress;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a schematic top view diagram of the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present inventionhaving two side egresses;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a schematic top view diagram of the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of the present inventionillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0024]FIG. 6A is a side view of an embodiment of the present inventionillustrating a side egress;

[0025]FIG. 6B is a detailed view of one corner and channel constructionas shown in FIG. 6A;

[0026]FIG. 7 illustrates two panels closing an entrance or egress;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a detailed top view of one mobile embodiment of thepresent invention having fiber optic illuminated instructions in thewalkway, metal detector panels, and multiple active position sensors;

[0028]FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of the control mechanism accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 9B is a detailed view of the control mechanism according toan embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the movement of the panels asa person moves through one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment of the mobile unit shownin FIG. 8;

[0032]FIG. 12 is a perspective of the mobile embodiment shown in FIGS. 8and 11;

[0033]FIG. 13 is a perspective of the mobile embodiment shown in FIGS.8, 11, 12 with a transparent separator;

[0034] FIGS. 14-17 are perspective views illustrating the presentinvention in operation; and

[0035]FIG. 18 demonstrates the use of one embodiment of the presentinvention with container or baggage scanners to process people and theiritems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention is directed to a rapid access entry/egressapparatus (20) as shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus (20) has a first pairof panels (22) defining an entrance (24). The entrance (24) separates afirst unsecured area (25) from a walkway (34), which spans the interiorof the apparatus (20). The first pair of panels (22) moves between twopositions, a first position (26) in which the first pair of panels (22)allow a person to travel through the entrance (24) from the firstunsecured area (25) to the walkway (34), and a second position (28) (seeFIG. 2) in which the first pair of panels (22) restrict a person'smovement through the entrance (24). Directly opposite from the entrance(24) is a second pair of panels (30) defining an end egress (32). Thesecond pair of panels (30) moves between two positions, a first position(36) in which a person can pass through the end egress (32) to a securedarea (33) and a second position (38) (see FIG. 2) in which the secondpair of panels (30) restrict a person's passage to the secured area(33). The symmetrical structure of the entrance (24) and end egress (32)gives the apparatus (20) the unique ability to handle bi-directionaltraffic.

[0037] If, once inside the apparatus (20), the person is not approvedfor access to the secured area (33) the person passes through a firstside egress (42) defined by a first side panel (40) that is in a firstposition (44) and into a second unsecured area (43). After the personhas passed into the second unsecured area (43), the first side panel(40) slides into a second position (46) blocking the first side egress(42), thereby preventing the person from re-entering the apparatus (20)through the first side egress (42).

[0038] All of the panels are held in an upright position by a supportstructure (48) defining a rectangle or a square. In the preferredembodiment, the support structure (48) will contain a plurality ofchannels (58) (see FIG. 6B). Each panel is adapted to move in a linearmanner on top, along, and/or within these channels (58). For example,the channels for the side panel (40) may be located along that side ofthe support structure (48) or they may be located along the top and thebottom of the corresponding part of the support structure (48). Thepanels can be equipped with any currently available mechanism (such as ashaft and brushing) to enable the panels to slide along the channels(58). The channels (58) for the bottoms of the panels would be locatedin the top surface of the bottom portions of the support structure (48)or along a raised side edge of the bottom portion of the supportstructure (48). The channels (58) and the shape of the support structure(48) restrict the panels' movement between each panel's respective firstand second positions.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the support structure (48) holdsthe first pair of panels (22) and the second pair of panels (30) in anupright position. The first side panel (40) is supported by a separatestructure and is connected to a separate power source. This embodimentpresents a safety option in case the power to the paired panels isinterrupted. The first side panel (40) could be moved by an independentpower source, linkage, or could be moved manually to prevent a personfrom being trapped in the apparatus (20).

[0040] It is also important to note, that the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is directed to a system and apparatus that employspanels to control and direct traffic. Panels have certain attributesmaking them ideal for certain embodiments of the present invention.These attributes are discussed throughout the Summary of the PresentInvention and in the Description of the Preferred Embodiments. Forcertain situations, it may be preferable to use traditional doors orother door-like structures, such as turnstiles, revolving doors, movingbars, and gates. Such alternatives lack many of the attributes discussedherein but offer other attributes such as reduced cost. The presentinvention is not limited to the use of panels, but encompasses the useof any door or door-like structure used in conjunction with the otherelements of the invention to control and direct traffic between securedand unsecured areas.

[0041] The panels can be constructed out of a variety of materialsdepending on the needs of the user. Ideally, the panels would be made ofa transparent material, such as a polycarbonate laminate, which allowspeople traveling through the apparatus to see what is going on aroundthem and allows security personnel to monitor people inside theapparatus. The panels may be made out of a bullet or explosion resistantmaterial. Additionally, sensors may be constructed into at least oneedge of each panel. The sensors detect if someone or something is caughtbetween the edges of the panels. A processor (76) then directs paneldrive units (78) (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) to stop the panels' movement.

[0042] In the current embodiment, when a person approaches the apparatus(20), all of the panels are in their first position (i.e. all panels areopen). Within the scope of the present invention, “open” refers topanels that are in their respective first positions allowing a person topass between the panel(s) and through the entrance (24), the end egress(32), and/or the first side egress (42). Within the scope of the presentinvention, “closed” or “blocked” refers to panels that are in theirrespective second position restricting a person's movement through theentrance (24), the end egress (32), and/or the first side egress (42).Blocked does not necessarily refer to panels that are completely shut(i.e. that the edges of the panels touch). Here, “blocked” is intendedto refer to panels positioned so that a person is unable to pass betweenthe edges of the panels and through the entrance (24), the end egress(32), or the first side egress (42). In some circumstances though, itmay be desirable to have the panels close completely. Such a structureis also encompassed by the present invention. It should also be notedthat the entrance (24) and end egress (32) are not specific openings,but are determined according to the direction the person is travelingthrough the apparatus (20). Because the apparatus (20) accommodatesbi-directional traffic, the entrance (24) when a person travels throughthe apparatus (20) in one direction becomes the end egress (32) when aperson travels through the apparatus (20) in the opposite direction. Thefunction of the entrance (24), end egress (32), and side egresses (42,52) may be altered while remaining within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, a person may also enter the apparatus (20) via aside egress (42, 52) and exit via the entrance (24) or end egress (32).

[0043] After the person has passed through the first pair of panels (22)and into the apparatus (20), he or she is standing on the walkway (34).The first pair of panels (22) moves from their first position (26) totheir second position (28). In their second position (28), the firstpair of panels (22) prevents the person from turning around and exitingthe apparatus (20) through the entrance (24). At this point, the secondpair of panels (30) can remain in their first position (36) or move totheir second position (38) according to the user's preference. In eithersituation, the first side panel (40) remains in its first position (44).If the person is approved to access the secured area (33), then thesecond pair of panels (30) and the first side panel (40) remain in theirrespective first positions while the person passes through the endegress (32) and into the secured area (33). If the person is notapproved for access to the secured area (33), the second pair of panels(30) moves to their second position (39), thus forcing the personthrough the first side egress (42).

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, after the second pair of panels(30) move into their second position (38), the first side panel (40)moves into its second position (46) thereby trapping the not approvedperson within the apparatus (20).

[0045]FIG. 2 is a schematic top view diagram of the embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates therespective first and second positions of all panels. Also, FIG. 2illustrates that when the paired panels are in their second (blocked)position, their edges do not meet. This aspect of the present inventioneliminates the problems of people's finger, toes, shoes, etc. beingcaught between the panels and makes the present invention safer thanmuch of the prior art technology. Specifically, this is a distinctadvantage over the prior art in which door structures have been known tocut or hit the people passing between them. FIG. 2 also demonstratesthat the paired panels, as they move from their first position to theirsecond position, move away from the person walking through the apparatus(20). A distinct advantage to using individual panels that move in thisrectilinear manner is that the panels occupy very little of the actualwalkway (34). As such, the panels do not pose many of the dangersinherent in using the door structures of the prior art.

[0046]FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present inventionhaving two side egresses. FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 except thatopposite the first side panel (40) is a second side panel (50). Thesecond side panel (50) defines a second side egress (52). The secondside panel (50) moves between a first position (54) (as shown in FIG. 4)in which the second side egress (52) is open and a second position (56)in which the second side egress (52) is blocked. This option isadvantageous in areas where a larger number of people are expected tonot be approved for admission to the secured area (33). Individualspassing through the apparatus (20) could alternate which side egressthey exited. Thus, allowing security personnel manning those side egresssufficient time to inspect or approve the people who are being shuttledto the second unsecured areas (43).

[0047]FIG. 4 is a schematic top view diagram of the embodiment of thepresent invention that was illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 illustrates themovement of all the panels and their respective first and secondpositions. The movements of the panels illustrated in FIG. 4 are similarto the movements of the panels as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2.For example, FIG. 4 demonstrates that the panels, in their secondpositions, do not close completely, nor do the moving panels intrude toany great extent into the walkway (34).

[0048]FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of the present inventionillustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows the channels (58), which guide andrestrain the movement of the panels. In the current embodiment, thechannels are disposed in the support structure (48) of the apparatus(20).

[0049]FIG. 6A is a side view of the apparatus (20) illustrating a sideegress. FIG. 6A could be illustrating the first side egress (42) or thesecond side egress (52), because opposing sides of the apparatus (20)are generally symmetrical in structure. FIG. 6B is a detailed view ofone panel and channel construction as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0050]FIG. 7 illustrates two panels closing an entrance (24) or an endegress (32). The panels, as shown in FIG. 7, are not shut completelywhen in their second position. In an alternative embodiment, such as inhigh risk or dangerous situations, the panels may be constructed toclose completely, even forming an airtight seal if desired. Such anembodiment would be particularly useful for trapping highly dangerousindividuals who may have chemicals, weapons, or explosives on theirpersons.

[0051]FIG. 8 is a detailed top view of one mobile embodiment of thepresent invention. In certain situations it is desirable to have therapid access entry/egress apparatus (20) be mobile. An example of onesituation would be airport tarmac, where an apparatus (20) could bemoved to a variety of places depending on where the airplane was locatedon the tarmac. In such a situation, the apparatus (20) could be used toscreen passengers or workmen who are boarding, loading, or working onthe plane. In its mobile embodiment, the present invention would have afirst flooring (60) immediately prior to the entrance (24), a secondflooring (62) immediately outside the first side egress (42), and athird flooring (64) immediately outside the end egress (32). If theapparatus (20) had a second side egress (52), then a flooring similar tothe second flooring (62) would be located just outside that second sideegress (52) also. Flooring (60, 62, 64) may contain the position sensors(67) and/or displays (68). Without the flooring, or for installed orpermanent apparatuses (20), the position sensors (67) and displays (68)may be set in the floor or sub-floor of a lobby or other buildingstructure that was housing the permanent apparatus (20). The installedor permanent apparatuses (20) may be secured to the floor orsub-flooring using any substrate appropriate anchors, such as lag bolts,nails, screws, etc.

[0052] In the current embodiment, the present invention utilizesilluminated displays (68) set in the walkway (34) and/or in the flooring(60, 62, 64) of the apparatus (20) to direct traffic through theapparatus (20). Ideally, the illuminated displays (68) would use symbolsto direct traffic instead of words, which may be less universallyunderstood. Such symbols or lighting could be commonly understood colorssuch as red and green, or arrows, as is shown in FIG. 8. The displays(68) could be implemented in a variety of ways, such as traditionallights or illuminated fiber optics.

[0053]FIG. 8 further illustrates the use of an approval means (66), forexample metal detector panels. In the current embodiment of the presentinvention, the approval means (66) would be located within the apparatus(20) to approve or disapprove of any person traveling through theapparatus (20). People traveling through the apparatus (20) who satisfythe approval means (66) would be instructed to travel through the endegress (32) to the secured area (33). People who do not satisfy theapproval means (66) would be directed to exit the apparatus (20) throughthe first side egress (42) or the optional second side egress (52) to asecond unsecured area (43). The approval means (66) could be locatedoutside the entrance (24) either on the support structure (48) or as afreestanding device. The approval means (66) may be implemented in avariety of ways including metal detectors, biometric readers, irisscanners, explosive detectors (including, but not limited to,spectrophotomic techniques), physical or facial recognition technology,electronic key locks, mechanical key locks, card readers, finger printor palm readers, vapor analyzers, or any other personal scannertechnologies. The approval means (66) could also be password protectiontechnologies.

[0054]FIG. 8 also illustrates the use of position sensors (67). In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, these positions sensors(67) are located in the walkway (34) and/or floor immediately outsidethe entrance (24) and end egress (32). Sensor technologies currently onthe market, such as laser curtain sensors, could be employed as positionsensors (67). The position sensors (67) could also be located on thesupport structure (48) or on surrounding structures depending on thetechnology being used and the user's preferences. The position sensors(67) detect a person's approach to the apparatus (20), passage throughthe entrance (24), movement across the walkway (34), and exit eitherthrough the end egress (32) or the side egress (42, 52). Thisinformation is used to determine the timing and movement of the panels.

[0055]FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating a control mechanism(75) for apparatus (20) according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 9B is detailed illustration of the control mechanism(75) of FIG. 9A. Control mechanism (75) includes a computerized station(77), position sensors (67), panel drive units (78), approval means(66), displays (68), and feedback devices (80), among other things.

[0056] In the current embodiment, computerized station (77) includes aprocessor (76), input/output devices (82) (such as a keyboard, printer,monitor, mouse, etc.), memory (79) (such as RAM, ROM, etc.) and astorage device (81) (such as a hard drive, magnetic tape drive, CD-ROM,etc.). Computerized station (77) may be located locally or remotely (forexample, in a control room) relative to apparatus (20).

[0057] Processor (76) is capable of sending and receiving controlsignals from input/output device (82), position sensors (67), paneldrive units (78), approval means (66), feedback devices (80), anddisplays (68), among others. Processor (76) is operable to execute acomputer program containing instructions related to the desiredoperation of apparatus (20); the computer program may be downloaded orstored on storage device (81).

[0058] In the current embodiment, position sensors (67), as discussed inconjunction with FIG. 8, may include any currently availabletechnologies.

[0059] In the current embodiment, panel drive unit (78) is comprised ofan electric motor coupled to a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism isconnected to one or more panels of apparatus (20) via a mechaniclinkage. In operation, the electric motor is activated by the processor(76). The electric motor drives the gear mechanism, which in turn,actuates the panels. It should be noted that other types of drive unitsmight be used while remaining within the scope of the present invention.For example, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and/or electro-mechanicaldrive units may be used to actuate the panels of the apparatus (20).Additionally, panel drive units (78) may include one or more positionfeedback devices (80). In the current embodiment, panel drive units (78)includes a first panel position limit switch and a second panel positionlimit switch which are activated and transmit a signal to the processor(76) when the corresponding panel is in its first position and secondposition, respectively. It should be noted that other position feedbackdevices might be used while remaining within the scope of the presentinvention.

[0060] In the present invention, one panel drive unit (78) can beconfigured to move all of the panels or a plurality of panel drive units(78) can be employed. Ideally, more than one panel drive unit (78) willbe employed in case one should breakdown or if power to the building wasinterrupted. Auxiliary panel drive units (78) should be used to preventa person from being trapped within the apparatus (20).

[0061]FIG. 9B is a detailed illustration of the control mechanism (75)of FIG. 9A and is better explained in conjunction with FIG. 10, which isa simplified flowchart of one embodiment of the present invention. As aperson approaches the apparatus (20), position sensors (67A) sense theperson's presence and communicate this to the processor (76). Positionsensors (67A) and/or (67B) detect the person's passage through the firstpair of panels (22) and communicate that passage to the processor (76).The processor (76) instructs the panel drive unit (78A) to actuate thefirst pair of panels (22) to their second position (28). The person isapproved or not approved via the approval means (66) (not shown). Theapproval means (66) communicates this information to the processor (76).If the person is approved, the processor (76) instructs the displays(68B) to direct the person to walk through the second pair of panels(30). Position sensors (67B) and/or (67C) detect the person's exit fromthe apparatus (20) and communicate this information to the processor(76). The processor (76) instructs the panel drive unit (78A) to actuatethe first pair of panels (22) to their first position (26).

[0062] If the person is not approved, the approval means (66)communicates this information to the processor (76.) In some situations,the processor (76) may be configured to instruct the panel drive unit(78B, 78C) to close the egresses and contain the person within theapparatus (20). In other situations, the processor (76) instructs thedisplays (68A) to direct the person to walk through the side egress andinstructs the panel drive unit (78C) to actuate the second pair ofpanels (30) to their second position (38). The position sensors (67B)and/or (67D) detect when the person has exited through the side egress(42) and communicate this information to the processor (76). Theprocessor (76) directs the panel drive unit (78B) to actuate the firstside panel (40) to its second position (46). The first side panel (40)remains closed while the person is in the second unsecured area (43).Once the person is removed from the second unsecured area (43), or thepotentially dangerous situation is resolved, the processor instructs thepanel drive units (78A, 78B, 78C) to actuate the panels to their respectfirst positions.

[0063]FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment of the mobile unit shownin FIG. 8. FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspectives of the mobile embodimentshown in FIGS. 8 and 11. FIG. 13 also shows a transparent separator(70). The separator (70) divides the apparatus (20) from any area to theside of the apparatus (20). Ideally, the separator (70) would separatethe apparatus (20) from the means for scanning (74) the baggage orpersonal items of the person passing through the apparatus (20). Themeans for scanning (74) may be any presently available technology forscanning baggage, luggage, or other items, including, but not limitedto, metal detectors, explosive detectors (i.e. spectrophotomictechniques), x-ray technologies, etc.

[0064]FIG. 14 shows the apparatus (20) without the first side panel (40)so as to better demonstrate the walkway (34), the display (68) withinthe walkway (34), the position sensors (67), and the positioning of bothpairs of panels (22, 30) in their second positions. FIG. 14 also showsthe use of the transparent separator (70). As shown in FIG. 14, one ofthe advantages of the transparent separator (70) is that a persontraveling through the apparatus (20) can see what is going on outsidethe apparatus (20) and beyond their position. This is particularlyimportant in situations where the transparent separator (70) is beingused to divide the apparatus (20) from the scanning area for baggage andfor situations in which parents and children are traveling separatelythrough the apparatus (20). The transparent separator (70) allows aperson to monitor their baggage and personal items as they are walkingthrough the apparatus (20). The separator (70) also allows peopleoutside the apparatus (20) to monitor what is happening inside theapparatus (20). The thick edge structure of the separator (70) alsomakes it an ideal surface along which to run wires and electricalelements to the apparatus (20). Additionally, approval means (66) suchas facial recognition technologies can be attached the edge of theseparator (70) proximate to the entrance (24). FIG. 14 also offers amore detailed view of the channels (58) that run along the supportstructure (48) restricting the movement of the panels.

[0065] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate a method of controlling the movement oftraffic by moving panels between first and second positions. FIG. 15shows the first pair of panels (22) in their second position (28),thereby preventing the people in the queue from passing through theentrance (24) before the person on the walkway (34) exits the apparatus(20) through the end egress (32) or through a side egress.

[0066]FIG. 16 shows the first pair of panels (22) and the second pair ofpanels (30) in their respective first positions when no one is on thewalkway (34) and a person approaches the entrance (24). Also, althoughnot shown, the first side egress (42) would be open or unrestricted atthis time. FIG. 17 shows both the first pair of panels (22) and thesecond pair of panels (30) in their respective second positions, thusforcing a person through the first side egress (42) to the secondunsecured area (43).

[0067]FIG. 18 demonstrates the use of one embodiment of the presentinvention as a system for processing people (72) and their belongingsfrom a first unsecured area (25) to a secured area (33). In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, people (72) and theirluggage are processed at the same rate; thus, a person passing throughthe apparatus (20) would exit the end egress (32) just as his or herbaggage or personal items were exiting the means for scanning (74).

[0068] The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended tobe illustrative only. Those skilled in the art may devise numerousalternative embodiments without departing from the scope of thefollowing claims. For example, other types of panels, doors, anddoor-like structures may be used; a conveyor belt or moving walkway maybe substituted for a stationary walkway; and the concepts of the presentinvention may be incorporated into other types of access control systemswithout departing from the present invention, which is limited only bythe following claims

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling traffic with a pluralityof panels, comprising: moving a first pair of panels separating anunsecured area from a walkway from an open position to a blockedposition after a person has passed therethrough; identifying said personas approved; and moving a second pair of panels separating said walkwayfrom a secured area from an open position to a blocked position aftersaid person has passed therethrough.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising identifying said person while said person is in saidunsecured area.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifyingsaid person while said person in on said walkway.
 4. A method ofcontrolling traffic with a plurality of panels, comprising: moving afirst pair of panels separating a first unsecured area from a walkwayfrom an open position to a blocked position after a person has passedtherethrough; identifying said person as not approved; moving a secondpair of panels separating said walkway from a secured area from an openposition to a blocked position before said person can pass therethrough;directing said person from said walkway to a second unsecured area; andmoving a side panel separating said second unsecured area from saidwalkway from an open position to a blocked position after said personhas passed therethrough.
 5. A method of controlling traffic with aplurality of panels, comprising: moving a first pair of panelsseparating a first unsecured area from a walkway from an open positionto a blocked position after a person has passed therethrough;identifying said person as not approved; moving a second pair of panelsseparating said walkway from a secured area from an open position to ablocked position before said person can pass therethrough; and moving aside panel separating a second unsecured area from said walkway from anopen position to a blocked position thereby trapping said person withinsaid panels.
 6. A method of controlling traffic with a plurality ofdoors, comprising: moving a first pair of doors separating an unsecuredarea from a walkway from an open position to a blocked position after aperson has passed therethrough; identifying said person as approved; andmoving a second pair of doors separating said walkway from a securedarea from an open position to a blocked position after said person haspassed therethrough.
 7. A method of controlling traffic with a pluralityof doors, comprising: moving a first pair of doors separating a firstunsecured area from a walkway from an open position to a blockedposition after a person has passed therethrough; identifying said personas not approved; moving a second pair of doors separating said walkwayfrom a secured area from an open position to a blocked position beforesaid person can pass therethrough; directing said person from saidwalkway to a second unsecured area; and moving a side door separatingsaid second unsecured area from said walkway from an open position to ablocked position after said person has passed therethrough.